Finite-difference time-domain method applied to lightning simulation and aircraft certification process

Electronic circuits performing critical functions for aircraft safe flight and landing, and composite materials with reduced electromagnetic shielding properties are increasingly used in the aircraft manufacture. Thus, an adequate design of the protections against threats such as a lightning strike becomes more and more important. To achieve this purpose, a variety of simulation tools are available. Finite Difference Time Domain is the most widely used method in lightning simulations. In this paper, the steps to perform a lightning simulation and an aircraft certification process are presented. The analysis of the electromagnetic transients generated on a C-295 by a lightning impact is shown to illustrate the explanation.